Peonies are among the most eagerly awaited flowers of the year: large, fragrant and with silky petals. Their season is short, so every peony bouquet is a small event. In Lithuania peonies bloom at the end of May and in June, and cut peonies from growers are most plentiful in May and June.
In this guide: when peonies bloom, which species and varieties there are, how to put peony buds in water so they open beautifully, and how peonies differ from peony roses and peony tulips.
When do peonies bloom
In Lithuanian gardens tree peonies are the first to flower, in mid or late May. Herbaceous peonies, the most widely grown type in Lithuania, follow in June. A single plant blooms for about 1–2 weeks, while different varieties together give 4–6 weeks of flowers.
The season for cut peonies matches their flowering: the choice is widest in May and June. In early spring or autumn peonies can only be found from distant growers, and the choice is limited.
Peony species and popular varieties
The peony genus (Paeonia) has about 30 species. Three types are most common in gardens and floristry:
- Herbaceous peonies – mostly varieties of the Chinese peony (Paeonia lactiflora). They die back to the ground every year and regrow in spring. These are the ones most often cut for bouquets.
- Tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) – woody stems and very large flowers that bloom earlier.
- Intersectional (Itoh) peonies – hybrids of herbaceous and tree peonies with abundant, often yellow or peach flowers.
By flower shape, peonies can be single, Japanese, anemone, semi-double or double – the latter resemble a ball or a rose. The most popular varieties for bouquets are:
- Coral Charm – coral flowers that fade to peach as they open;
- Sarah Bernhardt – pink, double and fragrant;
- Duchesse de Nemours – white with a creamy centre and a gentle scent;
- Red Charm – deep red and ball-shaped.
What are peonies called in English
In English it is peony (plural peonies), in Latin Paeonia. The name comes from Greek mythology: Paeon was the physician of the gods.
How to put peonies in water so they open
Cut peonies usually arrive as firm buds – this way they travel better and last longer. A good bud feels soft, like a marshmallow, when gently squeezed: such buds open within 1–3 days. Very hard green buds may not open at all.
- Cut the stems at an angle, 2–3 cm, and remove any leaves that would sit in the water.
- Place them in a clean vase with cool water and flower food.
- If the buds are sticky, rinse them gently with water – the sticky residue can keep the petals from opening.
- Want them to open faster? Put them in lukewarm water and keep them somewhere warm and bright (but not in direct sun).
- Want to slow them down? Move the bouquet to the coolest room overnight.
- Change the water every day and trim the stems each time.
Once open, peonies last 5–8 days in a vase. To make the bouquet last longer, keep it away from fruit, radiators and draughts – more in our flower care guide.
Peonies, peony roses and peony tulips: the difference
The peony season is short, so bouquets often feature flowers that look like peonies:
- Peony roses – rose varieties with very dense, round flowers. They have thorns, last longer than peonies and are available all year.
- Peony (double) tulips – spring tulips with many petals. They appear earlier than peonies, from February to May.
What peonies symbolise
In China the peony is called the queen of flowers and symbolises wealth, honour and prosperity. In Western tradition it is associated with romance and a happy marriage, which is why peonies are one of brides’ favourite flowers. Pink peonies usually stand for tenderness and love, white ones for purity and red ones for passion and respect.
Are peonies poisonous
The common peony (Paeonia officinalis) has long been used in folk medicine, but all parts of the peony, especially the roots and seeds, are poisonous, so self-treatment with them is not safe. In cats and dogs peonies can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, so keep the bouquet out of their reach.
Peony bouquets
During the peony season you will find peony bouquets in our catalogue – single-variety bouquets of coral or pink peonies and spring combinations with ranunculus, carnations and eucalyptus. We deliver in Vilnius and across Lithuania.
Frequently asked questions about peonies
When do peonies bloom in Lithuania?
Tree peonies in mid or late May, herbaceous peonies in June. The season for cut peonies is May–June.
How long do peonies last in a vase?
Once open, 5–8 days. The buds open within 1–3 days, so you can enjoy the bouquet for about a week or longer.
Why won’t my peonies open?
Most often because they were cut too early, when the bud was still very hard. Lukewarm water, a warm spot and rinsing the sticky residue off the buds help.
Do peonies smell?
Many varieties are fragrant – especially Sarah Bernhardt and Duchesse de Nemours. Coral Charm has a lighter scent.
What is the Latin name for peony?
Paeonia. In Lithuanian peonies are called bijūnai.
Are peonies dangerous for cats?
Yes, peonies are poisonous to pets: if eaten, they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep the bouquet out of their reach.
